this post was submitted on 24 Jul 2024
146 points (99.3% liked)

Superbowl

3359 readers
354 users here now

For owls that are superb.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Photo by Ryan Humphrey

A young Long Eared Owl showing off its third eyelids. These are called nictitating membranes. They add extra protection to the eyes from physical damage and keep them most during flight.

top 7 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] Chetzemoka 7 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Makeup artists everywhere taking notes...

[–] anon6789 3 points 4 months ago

I like the faces of the Long Ears so much already, and that bold black line just makes it all the more striking!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Third? Wouldn’t they be second?

[–] anon6789 5 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Nope, they have 3!

They have an upper lid for blinking, a lower one for sleeping, and this one for protection.

Check out my old post and the comments for some more details and to see the possible vestigial human third eyelid!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)
[–] anon6789 6 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I'm owl-ways here to answer your questions!